The Best Beaches Near Traverse City: A Local's Ranking

So, what makes our beaches in Traverse City so special? Even though they can be found framing the waters of Grand Traverse Bay, they offer that same turquoise clarity of a tropical beach. This is something you may not expect from a lake, many of which are usually known for murky waters. As you enjoy their beauty, swimming, boating, or paddling on SUP boards, there is never the need to fear a shark attack! There are no sharks in our clear waters, as you will clearly be able to see during your beach adventures.

There are dozens of Traverse City MI beaches in the area, but the ones we have listed below are the ones that the locals love. These are the ones we swim at, throw birthday parties on, or simply walk along the shoreline at sunset and sunrise and we highly recommend that you do the same.

Clinch Park Beach – The Heart of Downtown

• Location: Heart of downtown, southernmost point of West Bay

• Best for: Families, city dwellers

• Amenities: 1500 feet of beaches, splash pad for children, concession stand, picnic tables, bike racks, public restrooms

• Vibe: Active, energetic, and family friendly

• Insider tip: For a quieter experience, head toward the east part of the beach to where Broad River begins. Most beach goers will hang out by the concession stand or the splash pad, but at this spot it is quiet and less crowded.

• Crowd level: High crowds in the afternoons during the summer

Bryant Park Beach – East Bay's Hidden Gem

• Location: Base of the Old Mission Peninsula on the shores of West Bay

• Best for: Swimming, sunset views

• Amenities: Public restrooms, changing rooms, playground, volleyball courts, shaded areas, free parking, lifeguards in the summer months, ADA accessible

• Vibe: Relaxed, laidback, and family friendly

• Insider tip: The parking lot is small, arrive before 10:30AM to get a spot and stay for the sunset. The views from this beach are lifechanging.

• Crowd level: Way less crowded than Clinch Park Beach, busier Sunday through Thursday in the afternoons in the summer

Haserot Beach – Sunsets and Serenity 

• Location: 20 miles north of downtown Traverse City, east side of Old Mission Peninsula

• Best for: Swimmers & kayakers

• Amenities: Restrooms, picnic facilities, playground, boat launch

• Vibe: Quiet and laidback

• Insider tip: Check out the “junk pile,” a submerged 1970s Ford Pinto that has become an artificial reef, making it a popular spot for snorkelers and divers.

• Crowd level: Crowded on weekdays, moderate during the week

Traverse City State Park Beach — The Classic Michigan Beach Day

• Location: East of downtown, southern point of East Bay

• Best for: Families

• Amenities: Beach house with restrooms and a changing area, picnic areas, playground, ADA accessible walkway to the beach, wheelchair area

• Vibe: Family-friendly and relaxed

• Insider tip: Be sure to check the flags on this busy beach. They will let you know if it is too dangerous to swim.

• Crowd level: High crowds

So now that you have an idea of what the best beaches in Traverse City, Michigan are, now it is time to find out which beach is best for you and your traveling companions.

Best Beach for Families with Young Kids

To be perfectly honest, every beach we have mentioned here will be perfect for families with young children, but Bryant Park Beach is known for its calm and shallow waters, helping parents feel safer with their young kids in the water. Clinch Park Beach is another choice for families with young kids, offering that splash pad that you know you will have difficulty tearing your child away from.

Best Beach for a Romantic Evening

A romantic evening in Traverse City would not be complete without a quiet stroll on a beach at sunset. Our favorite beach in Traverse City for sunset views is Haserot Beach. Offering a protected cove that faces west, this hidden gem of a beach is quiet and secluded.

Best Beach If You Want to Stay Active

Although we tend to look at beach days as an opportunity to relax, some people just aren’t built that way. If you want your Traverse City, MI beach day to be more active, you should probably head to Clinch Park. Offering kayak and paddleboard rentals, and volleyball courts, you can spend your entire day living the active life at the beach.

The best beaches in Traverse City are definitely going to be your favorite places to explore and relax, and we suggest that you don’t keep heading back to the same one every day. Spread the love and visit all the beaches we have listed here, exploring what makes them fun and adding them to your highlight reel of vacation memories. Bring cash for treats at concession stands, sunscreen to guard against sunburns, and enjoy every moment of your stay. Life is too short to visit bad beaches, but that is not what you will have to worry about during your stay in Traverse City.

Our last and perhaps best tip for enjoying the beaches in Traverse City is to choose to stay close to the water! Our Bayshore vacation rentals offer prime locations on the water, so all you need to do to enjoy a beach day is step outside, walk a few steps, and savor it in all its glory. Contact Elevated Stays today to find the perfect place to stay near the beach!